Kouris and Evretou dams — the biggest and third biggest on the island — overflowed overnight, bringing water stocks even closer to 100%.
With a capacity of 115,000 million cubic metres (mcm), Kouris accounts for about a third of the total dam capacity on the island and has only overflowed twice since it was built in 1988 — in March 2004 and April 2012.
Together with Asprokremmos, which filled over the weekend, and Evretou the three biggest dams represent about two thirds of the island’s water rersrves.
An official from the Water Development Department said the abundant rains combined with efficient management of water stocks had led to dams — already well stocked from last year — to filling up early.
Excess water that is being released will enrich ground reserves, he added. With proper management, Cyprus’ dams now have about four years of water reserves, he added.
Evretou dam has a capacity of 24 mcm. It last filled in April 2019 and in January 2012. Built in 1986 it is part of the irrigation scheme for Chrysochous valley. The dam was 95% full on Tuesday but heavy rains led to an inflow in excess of 1 mcm. Police have closed the road from Polis Chrysochous Hospital to the camping site for safety reasons.
Overall, 11 dams have filled up — the three biggest as well as Yermasoyia, Kalavasos, Arminou, Kanaviou, Argakas, Pomos, Xyliatos and Kalopanayiotis
Ysponas Mayor Pantelis Georgiou last night visited Kouris — which on this day last year was only 17.4% full — and said that all communities in Kouris valley have been informed so as to take preventive measures. The municipality has cleared roads from mudslides so that the public can visit. An event will be held at the site in the next few days, in consutation with the Agriculture Ministry, he added.
The Water Development Department has already announced measures so that the public can visit safely and with the least inconvenience. The road above the dam will remain free of vehicles and vendors’ stalls so that pedestrians can move safely.
Vendors can only set up their stalls off the road. All visitors are urged to follow police instructions and show respect for the environment by keeping the area free.
Read more
https://in-cyprus.com/nine-dams-overflow-kouris-dam-nearly-97-full/
